Inside the council chamber, Qin Deming sat opposite the Third Elder, each with a cup of spirit tea emitting gentle steam.

Judging by their expressions, the atmosphere was far from relaxed.

The Third Elder oversaw the Qin family’s alchemy business and was usually busy inspecting the medicine hall, seldom seen in the Qin family’s midst.

But anyone who underestimated her because of her mysterious and low-profile demeanor would be mistaken.

The Qin’s were a family renowned for alchemy, and the fact that the Third Elder managed their alchemical affairs indicated her substantial authority.

It was akin to Qin Deming, who currently sat before her in a disciplined manner, careful not to overstep.

This was partly due to the Third Elder’s important position and also because of her imposing presence.

Despite her gentle and refined appearance, she had once been a beautiful maiden, but she seldom smiled.

Years of maintaining a stern expression had left a faint “川” character crease between her brows.

Whenever she returned to the clan to report on matters concerning the medicine hall, those who conversed with her did so with a solemn and vigilant demeanor.

Not for any other reason, but simply because the Third Elder exuded an overpowering aura!

At this moment, Qin Deming maintained a serious expression as he respectfully inquired “Is the Third Elder here this time for matters regarding the medicine hall?”

The Third Elder responded with a deep “hmm” and went straight to the point, “The Zhang family’s improved Revitalization Pills have been selling exceptionally well, significantly impacting Qin Medicine Hall’s business. Our revenue has dropped by more than three layers.”

Qin Deming paused silently for a moment.

He wasn’t surprised by the news of the improved Revitalization Pills; he had heard about it before.

What caught him off guard was the direct and unambiguous manner in which the Third Elder brought it up.

However, that was the Third Elder’s usual way of speaking. It was something he had grown accustomed to.

Qin Deming nodded, “I am already aware of this.”

Recently, the Zhang family had managed to recruit a high-ranking alchemist who had improved the formula for the Revitalization Pills.

Revitalization Pills were foundational alchemical products with high demand.

When prices were similar and qualities matched, there hadn’t been much to discuss.

However, now that the Zhang family had introduced a cheaper and higher-quality version…

Without saying anything else, the Qin family was renowned for its alchemy.

The bulk of the clan’s income came from selling alchemical products.

With the Zhang family’s introduction of improved Revitalization Pills, the impact on the Qin family was considerable.

The message from the Zhang family was clear—they intended to challenge the Qin family.

Qin Deming sighed, “Perhaps the misunderstanding with the sale of marrow-cleansing elixirs by the Qin family led the Zhang’s to this decision. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have introduced improved Revitalization Pills at this juncture.”

The Third Elder discerned a hint of regret in Qin Deming’s words.

She raised her eyes and coldly remarked, “So, if the Qin family hadn’t sold marrow-cleansing elixirs, would the Zhang family not oppose the Qin family? As long as the Qin’s seek development, clashing with the Zhangs is inevitable!”

This was almost a direct rebuke.

Even the Ancestor rarely used such a tone when speaking to him, the clan leader.

Qin Deming sighed inwardly but wasn’t angered.

The Third Elder had always been this way—serious and stern, intolerant of any hint of retreat from others.

Qin Deming remained silent, raised his tea cup, took a sip, using the moment to conceal his embarrassment.

After a pause, the Third Elder realized she had been somewhat harsh in her tone earlier.

Softening her expression, she continued, “The clan must find a solution. Otherwise, if this month’s revenue drops by thirty percent, next month it may decline even further.”

Qin Deming adjusted

The elders were gathered.

Normally, as leaders of their clan with ancestors above and youngsters below, enduring grievances was common.

However, mastering patience alone couldn’t harmonize such a large family.

Qin Deming nodded, “We’ve already tasked someone to research their improved Revitalization Pill, but there’s been no progress yet.”

The third elder frowned and commented, “Difficult! The alchemist the Zhang family hired to refine the pill formula may not rely on talent, but sheer luck.”

As the most skilled alchemist in the Qin family after their ancestors, the third elder had a significant say.

Based on her experience, foundational pills like the Revitalization Qi Pill required stability in their recipe, making improvements challenging.

Qin Deming pondered for a moment and came up with an idea, “We should find out more about this alchemist. If the Zhang family can hire him as a guest, so can we. We could approach him privately, inquire what benefits Zhang offered, and promise him double.”

Money wasn’t an issue for the Qin family right now.

However, the third elder was skeptical, “If he chose Zhang’s offer, he’s unlikely to switch sides easily. Besides, if Zhang has already given him substantial benefits for such an important formula, we might not offer anything better.”

Did this mean they were stuck?

Qin Deming sighed, “It’s not the best plan, but it’s the only option. We’ll contact him and see. If it doesn’t work out, we’ll have to accept it.”

This time, the third elder didn’t oppose.

She finished her now-cold tea, stood up, and said, “I’ll stay within the clan for now and lead the research on improving the Revitalization Qi Pill. If we crack the formula, it’ll be for the best.”

“However, the odds aren’t high. You should start preparing early.”

The third elder meant that she would handle the pill matters, but Qin Deming needed to find solutions for other aspects.

The third elder hurried away, leaving Qin Deming filled with worry, his hair seemingly graying a bit more.

In the evening, Qin Deming’s furrowed brow hadn’t relaxed.

Seeing him like this irritated Luo Xian, who complained, “How many times have I told you not to bring clan issues home!”

Qin Deming pursed his lips and slowly retorted, “Our home is part of the clan too!”

Luo Xian understood the difference between personal and collective matters clearly.

Qin Deming often neglected this as the clan leader, which was a frequent source of their arguments.

Qin Ruqing counted each grain of spiritual rice in her bowl meticulously, eating as if taking medicine.

Normally, Luo Xian would comment, but today she put it aside.

After counting ten grains painstakingly and swallowing them, Qin Ruqing casually asked, “Father, it seems serious. What’s wrong?”

This question struck a chord with Qin Deming.

He wanted to confide in someone about his frustrations and hesitantly began, “Today, the third elder returned…”

Listening to the whole story, Luo Xian realized the severity of the situation and temporarily put aside the distinction between personal and collective matters, frowning, “Even the third elder can’t crack the pill formula?”

“Cracking the formula isn’t easy at all. Even if successful, it could take a year or several years. By then, Zhang family might dominate the market, and where would we…”

“What else is there for me to do?” asked Qin Deming

Luo Xian sighed, “If only the Ancestor could come out of seclusion. She might have a solution.”